PDGC: Syntax Error

WHERE IS IT

Completely FREE and Digitally on Discord.

WHEN IS IT

October 25th to 28th, 2017

Starts:

Ends:

2:30 PM (14:30), Eastern Daylight Savings Time (EDT, UTC -4)

THEME FOR PDGC 3

“Syntax Error”

Just like the previous two PDGC events, the third one comes with a subtitle/theme to its ideology. PDGC: “Syntax Error” brings focus to problems that need solutions. The entire point of the online conference has always been to help indie and game developers learn from those in the know. Old masters and those new to the industry alike come together to give their advice and wisdom. The thought process is there are a lot of issues, problems, and errors in games, but there are just as many solutions to solve them.

Details

The PDGC has always been a free event meant to help educate and inspire developers, aspiring game industry newbies, or just anyone that is willing to listen to people that have a ton of experience. The best part about the conference is that it’s digital, meaning there’s no need for travel, hotels, or even to leave the house. Discord allows people to join from all edges of the world using PC, Mac, mobile, or even just on the website.

“I’ve always said that this is an event that you can participate in and be a part of while wearing your pajamas,” said Jesse Collins, founder and host of the biannual PDGC, “The fact that you can enjoy this anywhere, at no cost, is part of the Conference’s DNA. I’m here to help the game dev community and this is my way of giving back.”

The previous two Conferences were themed Words of Wisdom and The Devs Strike Back, respectively. Each had their own set of special guests and events. All of it was produced with nothing more than passion, zero budget, a minimal volunteer staff, and partnerships to help boost the signal to the masses.

Special Guests

36 special guest speakers have already joined the Conference to talk (presented in alphabetical order below), ranging from game developers, journalists, and legendary masters of the game industry.

“We Work in Accessibility for Gamers with Disabilities. Ask Us Anything!”

Accessibility is often overlooked by game developers. Several key additions could help adjust for a whole new demographic you haven’t paid attention to. These folks will answer your questions about it!

StoryStylus – Jean and Blair Leggett (CEO and CTO, One More Story Games)

Closing Ceremony: Wrap Up and Thanks!

13:30 (1:30) PM to 14:00 PM Eastern Daylight Savings Time (UTC – 4)

Jesse Collins (PDGC Host, Zettabyte MPR, LLC)

Final Thoughts: How Did the Conference Go? Let’s Find Out the Details!

14:00 (2:00) PM to 14:30 PM Eastern Daylight Savings Time (UTC – 4)

Jesse Collins (PDGC Host, Zettabyte MPR, LLC)

Additional Details

Alongside Zettabyte MPR, LLC, who is handling the marketing and public relations, the PDGC has partnered up with veteran game developer website, GameDev.Net to help spread the word. GameDev.Net is a renowned social platform formed in 1999 dedicated to teaching and connecting game developers, making this a perfect fit as a partnership. In addition, Jesse Collins (Host/Founder, PDGC) is bringing along his newly formed Geek Side Magazine to help within the event, as well.

All talks are recorded and released for educational purposes after the event, in high-quality format, so participants need not feel feel like they must to attend every talk. However, special guest speakers do frequently interact with those in attendance, so it’s definitely recommended to attend live.

On top of it all, giveaways are done sporadically and often, across a range of donated digital games and software, so it’s worth attending and taking part in the activities.

“I like to keep people engaged and involved during the entire event,” Collins added. “The best way to teach is to keep people entertained, so we make sure to keep your attention.”

PDGC: “Syntax Error” Registration

Where it’s not required, it gives you a special tag in the PDGC Discord server and a way to stand out during the event. If you are interested in speaking at the PDGC as a Special Guest, fill out the form and we’ll get back to you as well.

Note: When you register, join the server so we can apply the tag now.

Name:*

First

Last

Discord Username:*

E-mail:*

Did You attend a previous PDGC? Which one?

Are you a member of the game industry and would like to speak at a PDGC?

Donations During The Event

While attendance has always been free, a donation link is going to be available to enable participants to give to the event. Donations are split evenly with a charity. For the PDGC: Syntax Error, TakeThis will be the primary charity recipient for PDGC: Syntax Error, with game industry veterans Kate Edwards (Director of Outreach & Board member, TakeThis) and Russ Pitts (Board Chairman & Executive Director, TakeThis) both speaking at the event.

What Is The Mission Of The Power-Up Digital Games Conference?

The Conference (PDGC) is to help educate and inspire new developers, indie developers, aspiring game testers, or anyone willing to listen to words of wisdom among the industry.

No travel, no hotels, no need to leave the house. Since it’s on Discord, you can attend via your computer or your smartphone. It’s not often you can attend a Conference in your jammies.

The entire point of the use of a digital format is to allow for anyone to drop in and drop out at their leisure, which is useful when the Conference takes place through day and night. The chat app, Discord, allows for multiple discussions at once in different rooms, or even a verbal keynote speaker to talk freely, without the need to type. The point of a digital Conference is to allow anyone to join, from anywhere in the world, at any time; day or night. Discord has a desktop app, mobile app, and can be accessed from any browser as well, so it gives the most open and inclusive capabilities out there, no matter who, where, or what you are.

We’ve been to a lot of Conferences and Conventions and understand that it’s difficult to get into panels and keynote speeches, and sometimes you have to sacrifice which panel to attend to see another or miss a discussion to go hang with a friend. We have multiple rooms open within the Discord server to handle multiple options at once, and you can move between them easily to keep up with conversations or panels going on within each stage.

If you have any inquiries or would like to speak at the next event, send an e-mail to Chime@PDGConf.com.

Testimonials

“I’ve always said that this is an event that you can participate in and be a part of while wearing your pajamas. The fact that you can enjoy this anywhere, at no cost, is part of the Conference’s DNA. I’m here to help the game dev community and this is my way of giving back.”

Jesse Collins
Host/ Founder
PDGC

“PDGC is a great way for game creators – whether starting out or a seasoned veteran – to be challenged, informed, and enlightened, right from the convenience of your nearest screen.”​

Kate Edwards
Director of Outreach & Board member
TakeThis

“The PDGC is a great way for me to easily connect with game enthusiasts, as well as with a wealth of experienced, knowledgable peers in the game industry. I feel like I got a ton out of it, and I look forward to participating every time it happens!”

Richie Bisso
President
Hyperkinetic Studios

“This year’s PDGC seems like it’s going to be ton of fun! I didn’t attend last year, so I have no idea what to expect… but I’m very much looking forward to seeing what the hype is all about and learning from game industry experts. Thanks Jesse!”